• Premier League

Mancini 'will be sacked this week'

ESPN staff
May 12, 2013

Manchester City could sack manager Roberto Mancini before Tuesday's Premier League match at Reading, according to several newspapers including the Times, Independent and Telegraph.

Mancini's future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent days, with Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini strongly linked with replacing the Italian at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Inter boss, who took over from Mark Hughes in 2009, lifted the FA Cup trophy in the 2010-11 season to end their 35-year wait for silverware before they were crowned Premier League champions - their first league title in 44 years - on the final day of last season.

This term, however, City have failed to defend their title, with rivals Manchester United reclaiming their crown with four games left to play as they beat Aston Villa 3-0 in April.

Mancini came under extra pressure on Saturday as his side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup final, leaving the City boss to field further questions regarding his future.

And the Italian appeared unimpressed with the support he has received from the City hierarchy, with the BBC quoting him as saying: "You continue to speak about this for six months and also too much in the last two weeks. I don't know why the club didn't stop this because I don't think it's true."

Reports have since emerged on Sunday afternoon claiming his dismissal is imminent, as talks are sought over agreeing a severance package after he signed a five-year deal in 2012.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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